About InfoWorks

A Message from Commissioner Ken Wagner

I am honored and excited to begin my service as your Commissioner of
Elementary and Secondary Education.

My career in public education began when I was elected to the school
board of my hometown in New York at the age of 18. I learned early on
how important it is to engage and to listen respectfully to classroom
teachers. Whether you are introducing new learning standards, turning
around struggling schools, or modernizing systems of evaluation and
support for teachers, you have to be continually self-reflective, open to
feedback and ready to adjust.

My standard for success is simple: Is it helping teachers teach and is it
helping children learn? If the answer to both is yes, then I’m good with
it. If the answer is no, then we have an obligation to rethink our
policies and practice in light of the evidence.

I approach my work with a rigorous commitment to open, honest dialogue
with the people who matter the most – the students, families,
teachers, and principals – the people on the ground doing the hard
work every day that makes learning happen.

I’m deeply optimistic that our collective efforts will pay off for the
children and families of Rhode Island, and I look forward to the
opportunity to serve.